Like A Cowboy Saddling A Bucking Stallion,

The Fact That Obama Is Getting Criticism From The Left And The Right Might Reflect His Understanding Of The Underlying Political Dynamics.

Perhaps We Should Wait Until His Second Term Begins Before Carving Barack Obama's Face In Mount Rushmore. Is That Asking Too Much?

Movies Such As 'mr. Smith Goes To Washington' In 1939 To 'dave' In 1993 Portray Washington Leaders As The Ultimate Everymen - Decent People Just Like You And Me, Only Thrust Onto Greatness.

President George W. Bush Won Reelection In 2004 Largely Because He Was Seen As Comfortable In His Own Skin, While Rival John Kerry Was Viewed As A Flip-flopping Opportunist.

Mandates Are Rarely Won On Election Night. They Are Earned After Inauguration Day By Leaders Who Spend Their Political Capital Wisely, Taking Advantage Of Events Without Overreaching.